The undisputed jewel in the crown of Lesotho’s national park system comes in the form of the sun-baked highlands of Tsehlanyane.

Surrounded by the rock-ribbed peaks of the mighty Maloti Mountains (also home to the Afriski resort, believe it or not!), the region is famed for its rare woodland habitats and high altitudes of up to 5,600 meters above sea level.

Trekkers often opt to hit the connecting trail that links the park with Bokong and come to delve into the wildernesses of chi chi trees and rare fern species, endemic berg bamboo groves, and mountain animals that abound in all its glory here.

Size of Tsehlanyane National Park

Over 5600 hectares of extremely rugged mountain terrain is protected within this park, which includes one of the very few indigenous types of woodland in Lesotho.

Location of Tsehlanyane National Park

The park is located deep in the northern range of the Maloti Mountains at the foot of the Holomo Pass and only about 45 minutes on a tarred road from the South African border post of Caledonspoort, 15 minutes’ drive from the popular Free State town of Clarens and about 4 hours from O. R. Tambo International Airport

How to get to Tsehlanyane National Park Lesotho

The national park is reached along a 32km gravel road through a picturesque river valley that runs east from the surfaced A1 route about 23km northeast of Leribe and 8km southwest of Butha Buthe. Allow three hours coming from Maseru.

Things to do in Tsehlanyane National Park

Lesotho’s most accessible national park, set in the southern Maluti Mountains 150km northeast of Maseru, is known for its rugged montane vistas, rich sub-Alpine floral diversity, beautiful waterfalls, diverse birdlife, and an excellent network of hiking and horseback trails.

When to visit Tsehlanyane National Park

The best times to Tsehlanyane National Park Lesotho  for ideal weather is from January to April and September to December

Where to stay Tsehlanyane National Park Lesotho

The best base for exploring Ts’ehlanyane, Maliba Lodge (pronounced Madiba) is privately managed but lies within the national park. It offers the choice of five-star catered accommodation in the main mountain lodge or more affordable self-catering units on the Holomo River.